Today we begin to look at “release into ministry” and how our calling to belong, become, and to do are tied together. When we speak of “release into ministry” one picture would be like a rocket being launched that has to break free of the earth’s gravity. As believers we need to break free of the status quo.
Release is about growing in our opportunities and responsibilities in service.
John Wesley said, “Do not seek after ministry but anticipate the fruit of a disciplined life.”
In this quote we see ministry is a fruit. Fruit trees in an orchard aren’t groaning and straining but they are working. They are actively putting roots down. That is the disciplined life. Let your roots go deep in God. In turn those roots will nourish all of your life and others.
Delicious fruit ministers to others. When we plant a fruit tree we can’t make fruit grow but we can create a healthy environment that will enhance growth. The success of a tree growing and producing fruit is based on the roots going deep. Put your roots deep in Jesus.
What does day to day ministry look like? All of us are ministers and all of us have a ministry. Our first ministry is that of being a servant. If we have a role it includes serving. . .servant pastors, servant leaders, servant husbands, servant parents. Servant is a title, an assignment, an invitation, and a call that is going to pursue us and/or stay with us the rest of our lives.
Jesus said, “The greatest in the Kingdom will be the servant of all.”
As you apply today’s conversation ask the Holy Spirit these questions:
- What needs to shift in my actions and attitudes to make sure my roots are going deeper in You?
- How do I make that a greater focus in my life?
